As India prepares for rapid artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, Mahindra Group, a major player in the automotive and diversified business sectors, has embarked on an ambitious journey by launching a dedicated AI division. This initiative aims to harness advanced technologies to benefit various business units, including automotive, real estate, and hospitality.
The new AI division is positioned at the corporate level, centralizing AI initiatives across Mahindra Group’s companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra (automotive), Mahindra Lifespace (real estate), and Mahindra Holidays (hospitality). The goal is to integrate AI into mainstream operations and ensure AI-driven solutions are readily accessible across the organization.
Bhuwan Lodha, who formerly led digital operations at Mahindra’s flagship auto business, has been appointed to head this division. PTI quoted Lodha stating, “We have set up the AI division at a group level which is tasked to make our businesses successful with AI.” He further explained that the division will initially draw AI talent from within the various group companies. “AI projects became side hustles for every IT team in every company. Now we are bringing it mainstream,” Lodha added.
This division is expected to not only develop tailored AI solutions for the group’s companies but also leverage global innovations, including collaborations with startups and universities. Additionally, the division will partner with Tech Mahindra, the group’s IT services arm, to access domain-specific expertise.
“Our goal is to build the right AI solutions for all the group companies,” Lodha affirmed, underscoring the diverse applications AI could bring across the Mahindra sectors, including automotive, real estate, and hospitality. By unifying AI efforts and centralizing them, Mahindra aims to ensure consistency and high-quality innovation across its businesses.
This move aligns with a broader trend in Indian conglomerates investing in AI. For instance, during Reliance Industries’ 47th AGM, chairman Mukesh Ambani announced plans to integrate generative AI into Jio’s processes and offerings, with the development of ‘Jio Brain’, an AI platform suite being tested across all Reliance group companies. Similarly, TCS launched ‘AI WisdomNext,’ aimed at enabling businesses to leverage GenAI for innovation and competitive advantage. Siva Ganesan, head of AI.Cloud Unit at TCS, explained, “TCS AI WisdomNext helps our customers take advantage of GenAI to unlock the full potential of their data, drive greater business innovation and efficiency and gain a competitive edge.”
Mahindra Group’s AI division will also focus on nurturing AI talent. According to Lodha, the division will provide a clear career path for AI specialists, offering them diverse and engaging opportunities across the group’s various businesses.
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